Distracted driver in dramatic crash

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Police believe a distracted driver triggered this dramatic crash that snarled rush hour traffic in Amherst Friday morning.

Crews on the scene say the driver, who was lost, was driving east bound on Main Street.

While looking at a map he crossed the center line, panicked and then lost control of his car.

Amherst Police Senior Investigator Scott Lawinda said, "He struck a telephone pole, sheared the telephone pole in half and flipped over several times."

Police say the driver, 39-year-old Daniel Melock, was taken to ECMC with chest injuries.

Police say a cat was in the car and is expected to be ok.

A portion of Main Street was closed in the West Bound direction as crews cleaned up the sagging phone lines.

It has since reopened.